Business Communication
Effective, brand-supportive communications are not limited to marketing and advertising. The most common methods of communication—email, phone even mailed correspondence—are equally valuable opportunities to positively establish ourselves through the correct and consistent application of our identity.
EMAIL SIGNATURE
Your email signature should accurately reflect both your information and that of the university. The format below is preferred for all CU Anschutz faculty and staff.
Users may include additional information in text below their email signature, such as messaging, tag lines, or other University-related business so long as it does not impact the format of the template provided and it is officially tied to the University. The use of additional graphics, logos and icons are not permitted to be used in email signatures regardless of University affiliation.
Email signature templates are available for download.
| Correct Use | Incorrect Use |
| Extend information as needed for extra address or contact information. | Do not use school or unit logos in email signatures. |
| Limit email signature fonts to Neue Helvetica or Arial only. | Do not include background colors, textures or additional graphics in email signatures. |
| Limit email signature text color to black or dark gray only. | Do not include personal quotes or messages in your email signature, as they may run counter to the university’s established personality or messaging. |
STATIONARY
The University of Colorado’s stationery system has been intentionally designed to meet the correspondence needs of our global university community. Adherence to our stationery system strengthens our brand, increases efficiencies and reduces costs.
University stationery—including business cards, letterhead and envelopes—is available to full and part-time employees, including faculty, staff and student workers.
Design
The design and layout for all CU stationery is standardized throughout the University of Colorado system. Deviations from the format of any kind—including custom layouts, designs, changes in type size or font, or addition/replacement of graphic elements—are not permitted.
With a few, pre-approved exceptions, the campus logo (Denver, Anschutz or dual) is used on all stationery for university schools, colleges, departments, units and centers. For questions, please contact Print Services.
Business Cards
Business cards follow a standardized design with the CU Anschutz logo at top left. Name, title and affiliation are listed below in the left column, with address and contact information in the corresponding right column. A mandatory university website address is located in the bottom left corner.
Reverse-side content
Additional addresses and/or contact information may be listed on the reverse side of CU business cards. With the exception of social media icons (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), graphics or design elements are not permitted on the reverse side of university business cards. This includes taglines, slogans, logos or marks of any kind.
Student business cards
Current CU Anschutz students may order university business cards. Student cards must include a major or degree program directly beneath the student’s name, along with the estimated graduation year.
Electronic Letterhead
Electronic letterhead templates (in MS Word format) are available for non-printed, digital applications here.
Electronic letterhead is not a replacement for official printed CU Denver letterhead. Academic and administrative units should use the official printed letterhead and envelopes for all printed purposes. They are available for purchase from Printing Services.
Envelopes
Envelopes feature a standardized design with primary university logo at top left. Name, title, affiliation, address and contact information are listed beneath.
All addressing must conform to USPS standards. Mailpieces using non-profit or bulk indicias may have additional addressing requirements. Contact Mail Services for more information.
Pre-printed envelopes are available for purchase from Printing Services.
Notecards
To accommodate additional correspondence needs, a variety of custom-designed, branded notecards are available. To order, contact Printing Services at ucdenver.edu/printingservices or call (303) 724-6410.
PHONE AND VOICEMAIL
When answering calls or recording your voicemail message, incorporating the following best practices will ensure you are clearly and accurately reinforcing the CU Anschutz identity for each caller.
- Always clearly identify your affiliation with CU Anschutz and your school, college or unit—especially when communicating with external audiences.
- Be sure to always use correct naming conventions.
- Maintain an air of professionalism relevant to your unit or position.
EXAMPLES (PHONE ANSWER):
“CU Anschutz Bookstore, this is Jane. How may I help you today?”
“CU School of Medicine; this is Maria.”
EXAMPLE (VOICEMAIL):
“Hello, you’ve reached Jane Smith in Campus Student Services at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Leave your name, number and a brief message, and I will return your call as soon as I can.”
"This is Ted Johnson, media specialist in the Office of Communications at CU Anschutz Medical Campus. I’m away from my desk right now; please leave your name, number and a detailed message and I will call you back as soon as I return. Thanks.”